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Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
13 Foods that can worsen anxiety and depression and what to eat instead
Diet plays a crucial role in mental health, influencing anxiety, depression, and overall mood. While lifestyle and genetics are important factors, certain foods and beverages can exacerbate stress, trigger irritability, or worsen depressive symptoms. Consuming high-sugar drinks, processed snacks, artificial sweeteners, and excessive caffeine can create energy spikes and crashes, negatively impacting both brain and body. Understanding which foods to limit and choosing healthier alternatives can stabilise mood, improve mental resilience, and support overall well-being. According to multiple studies from Harvard , NIH , and Frontiers , these are some common dietary triggers for anxiety and depression. Foods that may trigger anxiety and depression Fruit juice While fruit is healthy, fruit juice lacks the fiber of whole fruit. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar, preventing sharp spikes and crashes in blood glucose. Drinking juice can quickly raise your energy and then drop it, leaving you feeling irritable and hungry. Instead, eat whole fruits for sustained energy and drink water when you're thirsty. Regular soda Sugar-sweetened drinks, including soda, provide rapid sugar spikes with little nutritional value. According to the research published in NIH, there's a direct link between excessive sugar intake and increased risk of depression. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo If you crave something fizzy, try sparkling water with a splash of natural fruit juice. It offers the sensation of soda without the excessive sugar. Diet soda Even though it contains little or no sugar, diet soda isn't harmless. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and high caffeine levels can contribute to depressive symptoms and worsen anxiety. Limiting diet sodas and choosing naturally flavored water or herbal teas is a safer choice. White bread and toast According to Harvard Health Publishing , highly processed white bread converts rapidly into sugar, leading to energy spikes and crashes that may aggravate anxiety or low mood. Swap white bread for whole-grain varieties, which provide fiber and support more stable blood sugar levels. 'Light' or sugar-free dressings Many pre-packaged dressings use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. According to a study published in NIH, ingredients like aspartame may negatively affect mood and contribute to anxiety. Making homemade dressings with olive oil, lemon juice, or vinegar can help you avoid these additives while enjoying a healthier flavor. Ketchup While it may seem harmless, ketchup is high in sugar, even in 'light' varieties, which may also contain artificial sweeteners. Excess sugar and additives can worsen mood swings and anxiety. Consider homemade tomato salsa with spices like cayenne for a flavorful, healthier alternative. Coffee Caffeine affects everyone differently. According to a study published in Frontiers, for some, it can increase nervousness, jitteriness, and sleep disruption, factors that intensify anxiety and depressive symptoms. If caffeine impacts you negatively, consider decaf or gradually reduce intake. For those who tolerate it well, moderate coffee consumption may actually improve alertness and mood. Energy drinks Energy drinks often contain excessive caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants such as guarana, which can trigger heart palpitations, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Instead, stick to water, herbal tea, or a piece of fruit for a natural energy boost. Alcohol Even moderate alcohol intake can interfere with sleep, which is closely tied to mental health. While occasional drinks may relax you, overconsumption increases anxiety and depressive symptoms. Limiting to moderate levels—up to one drink a day for women and two for men—can help reduce these risks. Frosting and trans fats According to a study published in NIH , sugary frostings and foods containing partially hydrogenated oils are linked to depression. These trans fats are found in fried foods, packaged snacks, and baked goods. Focus on 'good' fats from olive oil, nuts, avocado, and fatty fish, which support brain health and mood stability. Soy sauce and gluten-containing processed foods For those sensitive to gluten, soy sauce and other processed foods can trigger sluggishness, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Always check labels and avoid items containing gluten if you notice negative effects. Processed and fried foods Frequent consumption of processed meats, fried foods, pastries, high-fat dairy, and refined cereals is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression. A diet focused on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and fish is associated with more balanced moods and improved mental health. Doughnuts and sugary treats While occasional treats are fine, doughnuts are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined flour. Eating them regularly can worsen mood swings and contribute to anxiety or low mood. Make indulgences rare rather than routine. What you eat plays a crucial role in managing anxiety and depression. Limiting sugar, highly processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and excess caffeine or alcohol can reduce mood swings and anxiety symptoms. Focus on whole grains, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and proper hydration. Small dietary changes, combined with lifestyle measures like exercise, sleep, and stress management, can significantly improve mental well-being. By making mindful food choices, you support both your body and mind, fostering a more balanced, resilient state of health. Also Read: Coconut meat doesn't raise blood sugar level: A diabetes-friendly snack and 3 groups of people who should avoid it "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
New York Post
07-08-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Young woman can't stop having orgasms — doctors stumped
Come again? Doctors in China say they're baffled over the case of a young woman who experiences uncontrollable organisms multiple times per day — leaving the terminally-titillated 20-year-old in a perpetual state of arousal. 'The sexual arousal symptoms are characterized by recurrent and spontaneous orgasmic experiences,' wrote Jing Yan and Dafang Ouyang of the Peking University Sixth Hospital in Beijing, in a study of the curious case published in AME Case Reports. Advertisement 3 'This case describes a 20-year-old woman who has experienced persistent genital arousal symptoms for approximately 5 years,' the authors wrote. íâ¢í²í³íµí½í¸í¹ í¨íµí¼íí°í¸í½ – For five years, the unnamed 20-year-old experienced this thunder down under — sans sexual stimulation, leading experts to deduce that she suffered from persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), PsyPost reported. While this affliction might sound like hours of fun, constant pleasure can be quite a pain, causing 'significant impairment in psychosocial well-being and daily functioning,' per the study. Advertisement This was certainly the case with the patient, who reportedly experienced immense distress and was unable to attend school or work, or maintain relationships. Unfortunately, getting diagnosed with PGAD was a long time coming. Her symptoms first reared their head when she was 14, initially manifesting as a 'electric' sensation in her abdomen accompanied by pelvic contractions resembling orgasms. 3 The cause of the condition is yet unclear, although possible triggers include everything from antidepressants to circulatory issues. Phushutter – Advertisement Somewhat confusingly, this was around the same time that the youngster also began displaying increased sensitivity — coupled with bizarre beliefs such as thinking others could read her thoughts, which led to her getting hospitalized a year later and treated for depressive and psychotic symptoms. Despite multiple remedies, including anti-epileptic and psychiatric medications, the patient's symptoms persisted, leading her to believe that her constant climaxes were caused by external stimuli. By the time she finally reported to the hospital, her condition snowballed to the point that she could barely explain her symptoms without getting interrupted by an orgasm. 3 Antipsychotics appeared to alleviate the patient's symptoms. InsideCreativeHouse – Advertisement Neurologists initially ruled out epilepsy through EEG monitoring and other tests, while physical examinations showed no structural abnormalities in her brain or reproductive organs that could've triggered her perennial pleasure responses. Doctors eventually diagnosed the patient with PGAD after a regimen of antipsychotic drugs appeared to mitigate both her big moments and delusions. After several weeks of treatment, the patient's condition improved to the point where she could go back to work and have a social life. But whenever she ceased treatments, her symptoms would come back with a vengeance. Unfortunately, PGAD still flies under the radar. First formally described in 2001, the malady affects a projected 1% of women in the US, but remains underdiagnosed, per the Cleveland Clinic. Possible causes include everything from nerves, blood flow, antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Some have even linked the anomalous ailment to an imbalance of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in the brain's arousal and reward system. Advertisement Dosing the patient with the aforementioned antipsychotics likely curbed this dopamine response, thereby lessening her symptoms of arousal. Unfortunately, PGAD has no sure-fire cure as of yet.
Daily Maverick
30-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Trouble getting out of bed? Signs the ‘winter blues' may be something more serious
Many of us feel sluggish or less social when it's colder. But seasonal affective disorder is more than just a slump. Winter is here. As the days grow shorter and the skies turn darker, you might start to feel a bit 'off'. You may notice a dip in your mood or energy levels. Maybe you're less motivated to do things you previously enjoyed in the warmer months. The 'winter blues' can feel like an inevitable part of life. You might feel sluggish or less social, but you can still get on with your day. However, if your winter blues are making everyday life difficult and interfering with your work and relationships, it could be the sign of something more serious. Seasonal affective disorder is more than a seasonal slump – it's a recognised psychiatric condition. Here's what to look for and how to get help. What is seasonal affective disorder? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders officially recognises seasonal affective disorder as a recurrent major depressive disorder 'with seasonal pattern'. In other words, the condition shares many symptoms with major depressive disorder, but it also follows a seasonal rhythm. While this might be most common in winter, the disorder can also occur in summer. Symptoms include: persistent low mood or feelings of sadness loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed low energy and fatigue, even after lots of sleep changes in appetite weight gain or weight loss difficulty concentrating sleeping more or less than usual feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness in some cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Research suggests seasonal affective disorder affects up to 10% of the global population. Although it can affect anyone, it is more common in women, people aged between 18 and 30 years, and those living far from the equator, where winter daylight hours are especially limited. What causes it? Unfortunately, the exact cause of seasonal affective disorder is still poorly understood. Some theories propose it is primarily caused by a lack of light in the environment, although we are not exactly sure how this leads to depression. As sunlight is responsible for the production of vitamin D, some have suggested a lack of vitamin D is what causes depression. However, the evidence for such a link is inconclusive. Others suggest a lack of light in winter delays the circadian rhythms which regulate our sleep/wake cycle. Poor sleep is related to many mental health difficulties, including depression. Seasonal affective disorder can be treated Fortunately, there are several evidence-based treatments for seasonal affective disorder. Relief may be found through a combination of approaches. Bright light therapy is usually the first treatment recommended for seasonal affective disorder. It involves sitting near a specially designed lightbox (with a strength of 10,000 lux) for about 20 to 30 minutes a day to mimic natural sunlight and help regulate the body's internal clock. Cognitive behavioural therapy aims to help people develop some flexibility around the negative thoughts that might maintain seasonal affective disorder symptoms (for example, 'I am worthless because I never get up to anything meaningful in winter'). Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, time spent outdoors (even on gloomy days), a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene can all support recovery. Antidepressants – especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – may be prescribed when symptoms are moderate to severe, or when other treatments have not worked. What else helps? Even those without seasonal affective disorder might need to fight the winter blues. So, what works? Prioritise social connection Schedule regular, achievable and pleasant activities with friends, such as trivia at the pub or a brisk walk. Reframe winter Rather than dreading the cold, see if you can embrace what is special about this time of year. The mindset of ' hygge ' (a Danish and Norwegian term for cosiness and contentment) may help. Let winter be your excuse for snuggling on your couch with a thick blanket and hot chocolate while catching up on books and TV shows. Or see if there are any winter-specific activities (such as night markets) where you live. Maximise daylight Taking a walk during lunchtime when the sun is out, even briefly, can make a difference. The bottom line If your 'winter blues' last more than two weeks, start interfering with your daily life or feel overwhelming, then it might be time to seek professional help. Speaking to your GP or mental health professional can help you get support early and prevent symptoms getting worse. DM This story first appeared on The Conversation. Kelvin (Shiu Fung) Wong is a senior lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the Swinburne University of Technology.
Business Upturn
14-05-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
Neuronetics Launches First Inaugural National TMS Therapy Awareness Day During Mental Health Awareness Month
New national awareness day will foster greater understanding of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment The company will celebrate on social media, sharing patient and provider stories that highlight the impact NeuroStar has as a safe, effective, and non-drug treatment for depression MALVERN, Pa., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Neuronetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: STIM), a vertically integrated, commercial stage, medical technology and healthcare company with a strategic vision of transforming the lives of patients whenever and wherever they need help, with the leading neurohealth therapies in the world, is proud to launch the first National TMS Therapy Awareness Day. The event will take place each year on May 14 during May's Mental Health Awareness Month. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a proven, non-drug treatment option for individuals living with major depressive disorder (MDD), depression with anxiety, and OCD, especially those who have not found relief through antidepressants. 'National TMS Awareness Day is about giving hope to people who haven't found relief and being a driving force in the National Mental Health Awareness conversation,' said Keith Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Neuronetics. 'Far too many individuals feel stuck or discouraged after trying multiple antidepressants without receiving adequate relief from their symptoms. By launching this National Day, we want to raise awareness that non-medication approaches like NeuroStar TMS therapy exist—and they're helping real people reclaim their lives. Our goal is to make sure every patient, caregiver, and provider knows that effective, non-drug treatments are available and within reach.' Transcranial magnetic stimulation was first cleared by the FDA in 2008 for treatment-resistant depression in adults. Since then, it has become a widely adopted, evidence-backed modality for those who haven't responded to medication intervention. NeuroStar is the leading TMS therapy in the United States—and in 2024, NeuroStar also received FDA clearance for use in adolescents, expanding access to younger patients in need of non-drug treatment options. Over 300 million people have insurance plans that cover NeuroStar TMS therapy, including Medicare and Tricare. 'One of the reasons NeuroStar is the leading TMS therapy is the precision of our technology,' said Geoffrey Grammer, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Neuronetics. 'Our unique coil design is built to deliver focused magnetic pulses exactly where they're needed. Combined with our Contact Sensing feature, this ensures every session is both consistent and effective, helping patients get the most out of their treatment. We take pride in our scientific and engineering rigor, which continues to advance the field of TMS therapy and enhance the lives of our patients. On National TMS Therapy Awareness Day, we celebrate the real-world impact of NeuroStar TMS Therapy and the difference it makes.' Kristen Gingrich, a licensed clinical social worker, mother, and patient advocate, has documented her experience with NeuroStar TMS after struggling with depression since her teens—worsened by postpartum challenges. After trying talk therapy and multiple antidepressants without lasting relief, she turned to NeuroStar TMS and is now sharing her treatment journey during Mental Health Awareness Month. Kristen's story, which can be seen on both her account (@notyouraveragethrpst) and NeuroStar social media channels, helps shine a light about non-drug options and inspire others facing similar struggles to seek help. In addition to founding this awareness day, NeuroStar TMS continues its legacy as the leading TMS device company by presenting data at the 2025 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting (May 17-21). The poster 'The Profile of Symptom Change with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder' builds on prior research and evaluates TMS protocols and their treatment efficacy. To learn more about TMS Awareness Day and NeuroStar TMS therapy, visit About Neuronetics Neuronetics, Inc. believes that mental health is as important as physical health. As a global leader in neuroscience, Neuronetics is delivering more treatment options to patients and physicians by offering exceptional in-office treatments that produce extraordinary results. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is a non-drug, noninvasive treatment that can improve the quality of life for people suffering from neurohealth conditions when traditional medication has not helped. In addition to selling the NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System and associated treatment sessions to customers, Neuronetics operates Greenbrook TMS Inc. (Greenbrook) treatment centers across the United States, offering NeuroStar Advanced Therapy for the treatment of MDD and other mental health disorders. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is the leading TMS treatment for MDD in adults, with more than 7.4 million treatments delivered, and is backed by the largest clinical data set of any TMS treatment system for depression, including the world's largest depression outcomes registry. Greenbrook treatment centers also offer SPRAVATO® (esketamine) CIII Nasal Spray, a prescription medicine indicated for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults as monotherapy or in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. It is also indicated for depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.1 Greenbrook has provided more than 1.8 million treatments to over 55,000 patients struggling with depression. The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults with MDD, as an adjunct for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder, to decrease anxiety symptoms in adult patients with MDD that may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms (anxious depression), and as a first line adjunct for the treatment of MDD in adolescent patients aged 15-21. For safety information and indications for use, visit Neuronetics Contact:Investors:Mike Vallie or Mark KlausnerICR Healthcare443-213-0499 [email protected]
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Nearly 19 Million U.S. Children Live With a Parent With Substance Use Disorder
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A staggering 19 million U.S. children were estimated to be living in a household with at least one parent battling a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2023, according to a new study based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This figure accounts for nearly one-quarter of all children in the United States, highlighting the prevalence of parental substance abuse among young individuals. The findings also revealed that more than 6.1 million children lived with a parent facing both SUD and a mental illness, such as major depressive disorder or serious psychological distress. The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from over 62 million parents—and defined SUD according to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These criteria include disorders related to alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, prescription drugs and other substances. Mother alcoholic drinks alcohol from a bottle with child is foreground covering ears. Mother alcoholic drinks alcohol from a bottle with child is foreground covering ears. Alexander_Safonov Researchers highlighted the serious risks faced by children exposed to parental SUD. Compared to their peers, these children are more likely to develop a range of adverse outcomes, including early substance use initiation, substance-related problems and mental health disorders. The study provided a detailed breakdown, revealing that 7.6 million children lived with a parent experiencing moderate or severe SUD, while 3.4 million lived with a parent struggling with multiple SUDs. Among parental substance use disorders, alcohol was the most common, followed by cannabis, prescription-related issues and other non-cannabis drug use disorders. Experts emphasized that these findings are a call to action for federal, state and local governments to invest in family-centered interventions. These children are particularly vulnerable to adverse childhood experience, the researchers noted—and without support, they may continue the cycle of substance use and mental health struggles. The study also acknowledged its limitations, including the reliance on self-reported data, suggesting that the actual number of children affected may be even higher. "Additionally, the number of offspring in the household was truncated at three, suggesting that estimates represented the lower bound of youths exposed to parental SUD," the researchers noted. "Direct comparison of the impact of DSM-IV-defined vs DSM-5-defined parental SUD severity is an important step for future research," they wrote. With nearly one in four American children impacted by a parent's substance use disorder, the study's authors are urging greater awareness and support for these families. Evidence-based treatments for both SUD and mental illness, particularly those that include family support, could help mitigate the long-term consequences for these vulnerable children. Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about substance use disorder? Let us know via science@ Reference McCabe, S. E., McCabe, V. V., & Schepis, T. S. (2025). US children living with a parent with substance use disorder. JAMA Pediatrics.
